Why paediatrician clearance before sedation is not a formality

When sedation is properly indicated and monitored, its risk is very low. But behind the words “properly indicated” lies serious preparation. One of the most important parts of that preparation is the opinion of the child’s paediatrician.

A real case

One day a child came to us who, despite their young age, had already had life-threatening operations, was taking strong medicines and was in poor general health. In a situation like this the main question is not “how do we treat the teeth?” but “is sedation safe for this child right now?” We contacted the child’s paediatrician straight away; the paediatrician did not clear the child for sedation, and we did not start the procedure.

What we check before sedation

• Past and current illnesses
• Previous operations and experience with general anaesthesia
• Medicines the child takes and any allergies
• Current general condition: whether there is a cold, cough or fever
• The condition of the nose, throat and airways

During and after sedation

According to international paediatric and paediatric dentistry guidelines, a child receiving sedation must be monitored by a professional trained for this, and their breathing and oxygen level must be watched throughout the treatment. The sedation is given by an anaesthetist. The child is not sent home until fully awake and stable. The anaesthetist will also tell you exactly how long the child must not eat or drink; this rule exists for safety, so always follow it.

A paediatrician’s clearance before sedation is not a formality. For us, the child’s health and safety come first, before the teeth.